Stress relief object

ABSTRACT

A stress relief object provides a functional mental health toy that breaks into pieces when propelled against a surface. The stress relief object is formed as a soft, resilient body that allows the user to release his or her anger by breaking something without damaging surfaces or someone else. The stress relief object may be formed by a plurality of segments having a magnet therein to releasably retain the stress relief object in a formed condition. The segments may also be joined by an interlocking of a protrusion and a recess formed in a first joining surface and a cooperating second joining surface. Additional stress relief can be provided by reassembling the object.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 63/269,421, filed Mar. 16, 2022, the contents of whichare herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to stress relief, and more particularly tostress relief objects.

The current mental health toy market does not provide the user with atangible opportunity to release anger or elevated feelings offrustration. Conventional stress relief toys are limited to reliefprovided by manual manipulation and squeezing of the object to allow auser to relieve stress.

These stress relief objects do not provide for relief of elevated levelsof anger and frustration. The existing devices only provide adistraction from the feelings or problem. They do not “solve” or releasetension by providing a satisfying outcome. The current mental health toymarket does not provide a tangible outcome.

As can be seen, there is a need for an improved stress relief object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the invention, a stress relief object is disclosed. Thestress relief object includes a body formed from a plurality of joinablesegments. Each of the plurality of joinable segments are formed of asqueezable resilient material. Each of the plurality of joinablesegments has a first joining surface at the first side of the joinablesegment and a second joining surface at a second side of the joinablesegment. A joining element is configured to releasably retain theplurality of joinable segments as the body.

In some embodiments, one or more magnets are contained within each ofthe plurality of joinable segments. The one or more magnets are disposedin a first joinable segment oriented with an attractive polarity withthe one or more magnets of an adjacent joinable segment.

In some embodiments, a receiver is defined in each of the first joiningsurface and the second joining surface. One of the magnets is disposedwithin each receiver.

In other embodiments, a protrusion is defined in a first pattern on thefirst joining surface. A recess is defined in the second joiningsurface, the recess defined in a cooperating pattern with the firstpattern. The protrusion and the recess are configured for a releasableinterlocking engagement of the plurality of joinable segments. Theplurality of joinable segments may be joinable in a specific sequence.Alternatively, each of the plurality of joinable segments are joinablein an undefined sequence.

In other embodiments, each of the plurality of joinable segments isformed as a solid resilient body. Alternatively, each of the pluralityof joinable segments are formed as a hollow body having an interiorcavity.

In other aspects of the invention a stress relief object is disclosed.The stress relief object includes a body formed from a plurality ofresilient joinable segments. Each of the plurality of joinable segmentshas a first joining surface at the first side of the joinable segmentand a second joining surface at a second side of the joinable segment.One or more magnets are carried by each resilient joinable segment. Theone or more magnets are disposed in a first joinable segment orientedwith an attractive polarity with the one or more magnets of an adjacentjoinable segment.

In some embodiments, a receiver is defined in each of the first joiningsurface and the second joining surface with a magnet disposed withineach receiver.

In some embodiments, a protrusion is defined in a first pattern on thefirst joining surface and a recess defined in the second joiningsurface.

In some embodiments, the protrusion and the recess are configured for areleasable interlocking engagement of the plurality of joinablesegments.

In some embodiments, each of the plurality of joinable segments arejoinable in a specific sequence with each of the plurality of joinablesegments are joinable in an undefined sequence.

In some embodiment, each of the plurality of joinable segments areformed as a solid a squeezable resilient material. Alternatively, eachof the plurality of joinable segments are formed with a hollow interiorcavity.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdrawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a stress relief object.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a four-segment embodiment of the stressrelief object.

FIG. 2A is a top plan view of a six-segment embodiment of the stressrelief object.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the stress relief object.

FIG. 4 a side elevation view of a protrusion joining face of a segmentof the stress relief object.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of a segment of the stress relief object.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of a recess joining face of the segmentof the stress relief object.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the stress relief object taken alongline 7-7 of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of the segment of the stress relieftaken along line 8-8 of FIG. 4

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplatedmodes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. Thedescription is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merelyfor the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.

Broadly, embodiments of the present invention provide an improved stressrelief object that provides for relief of increased levels of stress,frustration, and anger. The present invention helps people deal withlevels anger, anxiety, and frustration The is invention is a functionalcoping mechanism and helps release tension in the user. It is pleasantto hold, easy to throw, breaks easily without damaging the wall or otherstructures, and is easy to put back together.

Currently, the only “mental health” toy in the market is a squeezablestress ball. The conventional stress relief ball does not provide thesatisfaction of something breaking. To get the same effect, one willtypically throw a household object, break it, which can damage surfacesand the object that is thrown.

The present invention allows the user to release his or her anger bybreaking something without damaging surfaces or someone else. A stressrelief object according to the present invention is shown in referenceto the drawings of FIGS. 1 -8 . The stress relief object 10 includes abody 10 formed from a plurality of joinable segments 12. As with otherstress relief objects, each of the plurality of segments 12 are formedof a squeezable resilient material, such as a foam material. Theplurality of segments 12 may be formed as a solid resilient material.Alternatively, the plurality of segments 12 may be formed as a hollowresilient structure having an interior cavity. The interior cavity ofthe plurality of segments 12 could also be filled with rice, beads, oranother pleasing, malleable material. The segments 12 may are soft andpliable to prevent damage to the stress relief object 10 and thesurfaces against which the object 10 may be thrown.

A magnet 20 may be embedded in each of the plurality of segments 12. Themagnets 20 are oriented with a polarity such that the plurality ofsegments 12 may be connected and retained in an assembled condition viaa magnetic attraction of the magnets to form the body 10. In thenon-limiting embodiment shown, in the drawings, magnets 20 may beembedded in each of a first joining face and a second joining face ofthe segment 12. Where the number of the plurality of segments 12increases and the thickness of segment 12 decreases, a single magnet 20may be embedded in segment 12 and have sufficient attractive force tojoin with a magnet 20 of an adjacent segment 12.

As will be appreciated, the body 10 of the object can be formed in avariety of shapes. In the non-limiting embodiment shown, the shape is aspherical ball. The body 10 could alternatively be in the shape of afruit, such as an orange. The body 10 can also be any suitable shapethat may form a décor item, or the like.. An accoutrement, such as theleaf of an orange, may be attachable with the stress relief object 10,when assembled.

The magnets 20 embedded within a receiver 14 formed in each of thesegments 12 provide enough force to retain the object 10 intact when notin use and are weak enough to allow the stress relief object 10 to breakupon an impact. When the user is experiencing anger, frustration,anxiety, and/or tension, he or she will pick up the stress relief object10, hold it in his/her hand, and throw it against a surface to provideimmediate relief from those feelings.

After the segments 12 of the stress relief object 10 break apart, theuser may pick up the segments 12 and assemble them into the object’s 10original form. The segments 12 may also include numbers and an edgepattern as a guide to reassembly. As will be appreciated, the presentinvention may be used as a children’s toy or decorative object (ratherthan a mental health aid).

The body 10 may also be constructed of segments 12 using a uniquelocking pattern that will make reassembly easier, or a puzzle challenge.For instance, the segments may fit together like puzzle pieces to ensureproperly assembly and function of the interior magnets 20. In thisinstance, the first joining surface of segment 12 may include aprotrusion 16 extending from the first joining surface of the segment12. Protrusion 16 is disposed in a first pattern on the first joiningface of the first joining segment 12.

A second joining surface of segment 12 may include a recess 18 having acorresponding pattern to receive the protrusion 16 therein. Protrusion16 and recess 18 are configured for a releasable interlocking engagementof segments 12 of the stress relief object 10. The protrusions 16 andthe recess 18 of each of the segments 12 may have differing patternssuch that the segments 12 may only be joined in a specific order orsequence. Likewise, each of the protrusions 16 and the recess 18 mayhave an identical pattern, such that the segments 12 may be joined inany order or sequence. As will be appreciated, each segment 12 of thestress relief object 10 may include both magnets 20 and the cooperativeprotrusion 16 and recess 18.

When utilizing only magnets 20, the body 10 may be formed with themagnets 20 in a spaced apart relation. Body 10 may then be sliced toform the individual segments 12. Alternatively, each segment 12 may beformed, such as in a mold, with our without magnets 20. The magnets 20may then be bonded, such as with an adhesive or a thermal bond, within areceiver 14 in the respective first and second joining faces.

The body 10 could also use a pliable, plastic-like frame upon which thesegments 12 can be mounted. In this scenario, magnets 20 could beavoided, but doing so would require extra steps and manufacturing. Thesegments 12 may also be soft and pliable to prevent damage to the stressrelief object 10 and the surfaces against which the stress relief object10 may be thrown.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates toexemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as setforth herein.

We claim:
 1. A stress relief object, comprising: a body formed from aplurality of joinable segments; each of the plurality of joinablesegments formed of a squeezable resilient material; each of theplurality of joinable segments having a first joining surface at a firstside of the joinable segment and a second joining surface at an secondside of the joinable segment; and a joining element configured toreleasably retain the plurality of joinable segments as the body.
 2. Thestress relief object of claim 1, the joining element further comprising:one or more magnets contained within each of the plurality of joinablesegments, the one or more magnets disposed in a first joinable segmentoriented with an attractive polarity with the one or more magnets of anadjacent joinable segment.
 3. The stress relief object of claim 2,further comprising: a receiver defined in each of the first joiningsurface and the second joining surface.
 4. The stress relief object ofclaim 3, further comprising: one of the one or more magnets disposedwithin each receiver.
 5. The stress relief object of claim 1, thejoining element further comprising: a protrusion defined in a firstpattern on the first joining surface; and a recess defined the secondjoining surface, the recess defined in a cooperating pattern with thefirst pattern.
 6. The stress relief object of claim 5, wherein theprotrusion and the recess are configured for a releasable interlockingengagement of the plurality of joinable segments.
 7. The stress reliefobject of claim 6, wherein each of the plurality of joinable segmentsare joinable in a specific sequence.
 8. The stress relief object ofclaim 6, wherein each of the plurality of joinable segments are joinablein an undefined sequence.
 9. The stress relief object of claim 1,wherein each of the plurality of joinable segments are formed as a solidresilient body.
 10. The stress relief object of claim 1, wherein each ofthe plurality of joinable segments are formed as a hollow body having aninterior cavity.
 11. A stress relief object, comprising: a body formedfrom a plurality of resilient joinable segments; each of the pluralityof resilient joinable segments having a first joining surface at a firstside of the resilient joinable segment and a second joining surface atan second side of the resilient joinable segment; and one or moremagnets carried by each resilient joinable segment, the one or moremagnets disposed in a first joinable segment oriented with an attractivepolarity with the one or more magnets of an adjacent joinable segment.12. The stress relief object of claim 11, further comprising: a receiverdefined in each of the first joining surface and the second joiningsurface.
 13. The stress relief object of claim 12, further comprising:one of the one or more magnets disposed within each receiver.
 14. Thestress relief object of claim 13, further comprising: a protrusiondefined in a first pattern on the first joining surface; and a recessdefined in the second joining surface, the recess defined in acooperating pattern with the first pattern.
 15. The stress relief objectof claim 14, wherein the protrusion and the recess are configured for areleasable interlocking engagement of the plurality of resilientjoinable segments.
 16. The stress relief object of claim 15, whereineach of the plurality of resilient joinable segments are joinable in aspecific sequence.
 17. The stress relief object of claim 16, whereineach of the plurality of resilient joinable segments are joinable in anundefined sequence.
 18. The stress relief object of claim 11, whereineach of the plurality of resilient joinable segments formed as a solid asqueezable resilient material.
 19. The stress relief object of claim 11,wherein each of the plurality of resilient joinable segments are formedwith a hollow interior cavity.